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Art of Recovery works to destigmatize mental illness

To showcase the artwork of about 50 from Peace Zone, the organization is holding the Art of Recovery art show Friday through Sept. 14 at First Presbyterian Church. There’s a free reception from 6-8 p.m.

Art of Recovery works to destigmatize mental illness

Karen A. Ferraro has always had a passion for art but at different times in her life as she struggled with mental illness she didn’t have the ability focus on it.

But finding Peace Zone, a peer-run and centered drop in center for those recovering from mental illness, was a game-changer for her. Although she’d been in recovery for years, she hadn’t reinvigorated that passion.

"Maine Sunset" by Suze Wright, acrylic(Photo: Provided)

“They have a painting group and it helped give me a second chance, a new opportunity to develop in my recovery,” Ferraro said. “I went to college and studied art decades ago and did it different periods in my life, but I couldn’t do it at all. But after finding Peace Zone I started doing art again.”

To showcase the work of Ferraro and the about 55 others from Peace Zone, the organization is holding the Art of Recovery art show Friday through Sept. 14 at First Presbyterian Church. There’s a free reception from 6-8 p.m. Many of the artists will be there along with door prizes, refreshments and other activities.

The Art of Recovery reception is 6-8 p.m. Friday with the show open through Sept. 14.(Photo: Provided)

The pieces will be for sale with 65 percent of the sale going to the artist and 35 percent going back to the art program at Peace Zone. There will be about 140 pieces on display during the show featuring a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, some crafts and other items.

"Holy Spirit on Fire" by Karen Ferraro, acrylic.(Photo: Provided)

“There is such a stigma with mental illness but that isn’t here at all,” Ferraro said of Peace Zone. “You are given the freedom to be yourself and develop yourself in recovery.”

Peace Zone Program Coordinator Kristen King said they feel very strongly about art being an important part of mental health recovery.

“Recovery from mental health issues is not just possible but probable with professional treatment, community resources and recovery support,” she said. “A lot of our artists said doing art is freeing for them, relieves stress and provides an opportunity to see and connect with others in different stages of recovery. It’s relieving for someone to hear another’s story of recovery who has gone through the same thing.”

Ferraro said for her, art is calming. It can quiet her down and make her feel calm and peaceful.

“Art is also a form of expression,” she said. “And this show is a great opportunity for the community to see these expressions of people in recovery from mental health and see the positive things they can do. It’s a chance to help with that stigma.”

Peace Zone, 410 Mulberry St., is open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. They serve about 40 to 50 each day about 200 unique consumers each month. In 2016, 700 individuals with more than 4,900 visits. For more information call 812-436-4320.

What: The Art of Recovery

When: reception is 6-8 p.m. Friday, show is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sept. 14 (only Mondays through Fridays).